RIVERTON MAYORALTY

Southland Times, Issue 22013, 12 May 1933, Page 3

RIVERTON MAYORALTY

INSTALLATION CEREMONY. (From Our Correspondent) Dr N. G. Trotter who was elected Mayor unopposed at the recent election, was duly installed for the term in the Town Hall, Riverton, on Wednesday evening, when there were present: Councillors J. A. Martin, R. J. Walker, J. Crawford, H. E. Philp and D. C. Robertson. Councillor J. A. Walker, who is at present in Oamaru, wrote asking to be excused, and said he congratulated Dr Trotter on being elected. He (the

writer) would do all in his power to assist him and other members of the council.

The ex-Mayor (Mr E. B. Patrick) was also present, but was called away on urgent business at the last moment, and he asked the Town Clerk to officiate in his absence.

After the official ceremony, Mr G. O. Cassels said the newly-elected Mayor was well known to them all and as he had occupied the same position on several previous occasions nothing further need be said by way of introduction. He concluded by expressing the hope that the coming term would be as pleasant as had been those in the past. In the course of a lengthy reply, Dr Trotter said it seemed like old times to once again enter the room and take the chair. He had held office previously for something like sixteen years and had been their Mayor during the strenuous years of the Great War. He had not expected to have taken a prominent part in municipal affairs after his retirement, but as he had been asked by a deputation to come forward, he had consented, for he had always considered it was the duty of every citizen to help towards the betterment and advancement of a place in which one had home and habitation. While other centres had an overflow of municipal aspirants, it was astonishing, he said, that difficulty had been experienced here in filling all the vacancies for councillors. How different, he said, from a few years back when municipal seats were keenly contested, and great excitement prevailed over the ultimate results. Referring to the finances of the borough he said it was very gratifying to the ratepayers to know from a recent return supplied by the town clerk that the borough was in a sound financial position, in direct contrast to several municipalities in the northern provinces, which were on the verge of bankruptcy due to reckless borrowing and being obliged to pay a high rate of interest. Mr Patrick and his council, he said, had been careful, and every penny had been judiciously spent so the ratepayers were not called upon to carry a heavy burden of debt. After referring to the money market at Home and abroad and, the great questions under consideration of financial magnates, he said some of the ratepayers had suggested that certain improvements should be undertaken such as an adequate water supply, the inauguration of a modem fire-fighting scheme; but he reminded them that the proposals, if carried into effect, would mean borrowing and the present was not an opportune time to approach the money-lenders. They were certainly rated on a low basis, and to borrow would mean an increase of rates, and as many found it difficult to pay the present levy a further rise would severely handicap many of the ratepayers. They had no special commitments and should be able to carry on under the old erder. Concluding he paid a high compliment to the retiring Mayor, expressed his sympathy, and hoped he would soon be restored to health. He also spoke of the fine services rendered to the community by Mrs Patrick. He welcomed the new members to the council table and trusted the old and new would work harmoniously together and that the term would be a pleasant and enjoyable one. (Applause.) Councillor Martin said he was pleased to welcome Dr Trotter back to the table, but was sorry the ex-Mayor was obliged to give up municipal life for a time at least. He spoke in eulogistic terms of the energy and time devoted to the council and town affairs by Mr Patrick, while Mrs Patrick was a valued members of the community, and had been chiefly responsible for better home conditions in the houses of the relief workers, their wives and dependents. He also referred to the faithful services of Councillors Hymers and Willett, and moved that letters of appreciation be forwarded to Mr and Mrs Patrick and the ex-councillors mentioned. Councillor R. J. Walker said he endorsed the' remarks of the previous speaker. Mr and Mrs Patrick were deserving the thanks of the community, the latter especially for her kindness and consideration to those placed in unfortunate circumstances. He seconded the motion. Councillor Philp said municipal matters were not new to him as in the past he had sat under six different mayors. He the Mayor upon again returning to office and expressed his sympathy with Mr Patrick, trusting that ere long he would be completely restored to health. Councillor J. Crawford said the Mayor had mentioned the fact that he (the Mayor) had previously occupied the position of chief citizen for 16 years, and had been called the “old man.’ He (Councillor Crawford) trusted he would be Mayor for another 16 years and they would then be able to call him the grand old man.’’—(Applause.) Councillor D. C. Robertson also spoke and said he would do his best in the interest of ratepayers. Committees.

The following were elected: Works Committee: The Mayor, Councillors R. J. and J. A. Walker; Harbour: Councillors J. A. Walker and J. Crawford; Reserves: Councillors Martin and J. A. Walker; Sanitary: .Councillors H. E. Philp and D. C. Robertson; Finance: The Mayor, Councillors Martin and Crawford; Cemetery: Councillors Martin and J. A. Walker; Lighting: Councillors Philp and Robertson. Councillor J. A. Martin was elected deputy-Mayor and it was resolved to meet on the first Monday of each month.